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New phase in chequered history of Africa and Israel?

Philip Mendes
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Published: 9 July 2016

Last updated: 4 March 2024

Prior to 1967, Israel built strong ties with many independent African states, providing development and military aid, and receiving support at the UN in return. After the 1967 war, however, Israel came increasingly to be perceived as an occupying regime and, soon after the Yom Kippur War in 1973, many unaligned states, and almost all African states, severed diplomatic ties. Thereafter, as Israel became more isolated, it started building security-based relationships with, and selling arms to, some of the most brutal regimes in Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Caribbean. Now a new phase may be beginning. Faced with escalating terrorism, climate change and economic problems, many African states are seeking closer ties again, hoping to benefit from Israeli technology - especially in the fields of agriculture, water and cybersecurity - and Israeli security know-how.

In Africa, Lion King Bibi begins to outroar the Palestinians – Ralph Ahren – 08.07.16
Offering high-tech and security know-how in return for diplomatic support, Netanyahu was welcomed like a superpower chief.

Read report and analysis here

About the author

Professor Philip Mendes is teaches Social Policy and the Welfare State at Monash University. He is the author or co-author of 13 books, including Jews and the Left: The rise and fall of a political alliance, and Boycotting Israel is Wrong, co-authored with Nick Dyrenfurth.

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